ON TWITTER

#NEWFORTHBRIDGE

The Queensferry Crossing will open to traffic on Wednesday, 30 August, it was confirmed yesterday. The cable-stayed structure is the third major bridge built across the narrowest section of the Forth. @Lornaja said: “Must have a go at getting across on the first day – I was there for the opening of the first road bridge” @poppytailsandtr commented: “Have to say coming into Edinburgh this bridge takes your breath away” @Saz1981sj observed: “It’s actually very exciting. And the bridge looks amazing too.” @Carlaw4eastwood patted himself on the back: “Delighted to have convened the Holyrood committee which chose the design & approved the route for this @Frc_queensferry Crossing. Stunning”

#DUPTALKS

Talks between the DUP and Conservatives are “not progressing as expected”, the Northern Irish party said. @Markdevenport said: “DUP sources calling on Conservatives to bring ‘greater focus’ to discussions and warning they ‘can’t be taken for granted’.” @Stephenkb offered: “There is not going to be another election, the DUP is just going to get maximum leverage from the Tories whenever they can” @Braidenht “They should give Senator George Mitchell a call” @Tommctague thought: “For their supporters at home, the DUP clearly need to be seen to be driving a hard bargain. Good expectations management”

#CHURCHILL

Brexit secretary David Davis was widely mocked on social media for attributing a generic quote – “The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty” – to Sir Winston Churchill @diponte said: “No verifiable evidence Churchill ever said it. What he definitely did say, however, was “We need to create a kind of United States of Europe” @BBCLAURAK added: “Not sure Churchill did actually ever say that altho he did say ‘myself I am an optimist–it does not seem to be much use being anything else’ ” @haja36510275 said: “Statistics are like a drunk with a lamppost: used more for support than illumination. - Sir Winston Churchill”